Fifth wheel conversion hitch mounting system

ABSTRACT

An underbed hitch mounting system is described. The mounting system may be utilized for towing vehicles wherein the mounting system may selectively accommodate either a fifth wheel hitch or a gooseneck hitch. The mounting system may include at least one rail capable of being connected to a vehicle frame, wherein the rail includes at least one socket. The socket may be engaged with a receiving member, wherein the receiving member may be engaged with a leg of a fifth wheel hitch. A mid rail may be connected to the rails and may include a hitch ball socket that is capable of engagement with a hitch.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No.15/058,985, filed on Mar. 2, 2016 and entitled FIFTH WHEEL CONVERSIONHITCH MOUNTING SYSTEM, which claims priority to U.S. provisional patentapplication No. 62/127,129 filed on Mar. 2, 2015 titled FIFTH WHEELCONVERSION HITCH MOUNTING SYSTEM and to U.S. provisional patentapplication No. 62/138,819 filed on Mar. 26, 2015 titled FIFTH WHEELCONVERSION HITCH MOUNTING SYSTEM each of which are incorporated byreference in their entirety.

FIELD OF INVENTION

The present invention is generally related to a towing apparatus and,more particularly, to a conversion hitch mounting system having anunderbed hitch mounting system, an above bed adapter frame, and a fifthwheel conversion hitch.

BACKGROUND

Many vehicles are designed to transport freight, goods, merchandise,personal property, and other such cargo. Often, a hitch assembly isutilized to connect a towed vehicle or trailer to a towing vehicle, suchas a truck for example, to increase the capacity to transport goods.Many types of coupling devices have been developed for providing thisconnection between a towing vehicle and a towed vehicle.

It is well known to utilize a trailer hitch to connect a trailer to atowing vehicle. There are many different types of trailer hitches thatmay be attached to the towing vehicle in a variety of ways, depending onthe type of hitch to be used. Some of the most common types of hitchesinclude gooseneck, fifth wheel, front mount, and the like. Often, thetype of hitch used to connect a trailer and a vehicle is determined bythe size, shape and other features of the trailer. For example, largetrailers such as semi trailers and campers often require a fifth wheelhitch, whereas, small and midsized trailers, such as boat trailers, arebetter suited for gooseneck trailer hitches. Typically, trailers areconnected to a towing vehicle by way of a ball hitch secured to thevehicle and a ball socket coupling mechanism on the trailer that mountsover the ball and thereby allows for the trailer to pivot behind thetowing vehicle.

Due to the size and weight of many trailers, towing a trailer may causeunsafe conditions for the towing vehicle, such as fishtailing or otherunsafe effects. To avoid these unwanted effects, it is preferable toevenly balance and distribute the weight of the trailer over the wheelsof the towing vehicle. This is best accomplished by connecting the hitchto the frame or base of the towing vehicle, near the vehicle's center ofgravity. Accordingly, fifth wheel and gooseneck hitches mounted topickup trucks are often connected to the truck frame underneath the bedof the truck.

Traditional fifth wheel hitches include a head assembly for receiving aking pin on a trailer, a base having a plurality of legs, and one ormore mounting rails. The mounting rails may be permanently fixed to theframe of a vehicle, such as a pickup truck. For example, the mountingrails may be connected between two portions of a pickup truck frameunderneath the truck bed. The mounting rails may include a plurality ofholes for receiving the legs of the fifth wheel hitch.

Corresponding openings may be cut in the truck bed and aligned with theholes in the mounting rails. The legs of the fifth wheel hitch may beconnected to holes in the mounting rails through the openings in thetruck bed, thereby securing the fifth wheel hitch to the frame of thetruck. When the fifth wheel hitch is not in use, the legs may bedisconnected from the holes in the rails and the hitch may be removedfrom the bed of the truck. Caps may be placed over the holes to allowthe truck bed to be used for other purposes.

Traditional gooseneck hitches also mount to a pickup truck frame,beneath the bed of a truck. A gooseneck hitch is designed for use in apickup truck similar to a fifth wheel. The difference is that thegooseneck uses a ball and coupler verses a kingpin and pin receiver.Gooseneck hitches include a mounting plate configured to connect to theframe of a truck, a receptacle in the mounting plate configured toreceive a ball hitch, and a hitch ball removably connected to thereceptacle and configured to engage a coupling member of the trailer. Anopening in the bed of the truck is aligned with the receptacle in themounting plate, allowing the hitch ball to connect to the receptaclethrough the opening in the truck bed. The hitch balls themselves aretypically removable or retractable so that when the hitch is not in use,the hitch ball may be removed or retracted when not in use, so as not toobstruct the bed of the pick-up truck in any significant manner.

Towing vehicles are generally arranged to accommodate either a fifthwheel hitch or a gooseneck hitch, but not both. To convert a towingvehicle from accommodating a fifth wheel hitch to a gooseneck hitch orvice versa is time and labor intensive and inefficient. Furthermore,both fifth wheel hitches and gooseneck hitches are preferably mounted tothe vehicle frame near the vehicle's center of gravity. However, sincefifth wheel hitches and gooseneck hitches use different mountingconfigurations, traditionally only one hitch can occupy this location.

Additionally, gooseneck hitch type mounting systems that utilize agooseneck ball and collar assembly particularly require that the torqueand towing capacity is located thru the point of the gooseneck ball andcollar. These systems are generally restrictive for other types oftrailer options for short bed trucks (typically less than 6 foot).Therefore, there is a need in the art for an improved apparatus fortowing vehicles that allow for selectively accommodation of either afifth wheel hitch or a gooseneck hitch. Additionally, there is a need toprovide an assembly where a fifth wheel hitch may be inserted into theexisting gooseneck color or ports that form the attachment pointswithout adding any other permanent structure. wherein the fifth wheelhitch may be removed when not needed. Further, there is a need toprovide a design that my incorporate the structural position of thegooseneck ball location and one or both of the existing safety chainhold downs already existing on the gooseneck hitch that will prevent thefifth wheel hitch from twisting and allow for fifth wheel hitchassemblies on vehicles with short bed options.

SUMMARY

A fifth wheel conversion hitch mounting system is described. Themounting system may be utilized for towing vehicles wherein the mountingsystem may selectively accommodate either a fifth wheel hitch or agooseneck hitch. The mounting system may include an underbed hitchassembly including at least one rail capable of being connected to avehicle frame, wherein the rail includes at least one socket. The socketmay be engaged with a receiving member, wherein the receiving member maybe engaged with a leg of a fifth wheel hitch. A mid rail may beconnected to the rails and may include a hitch ball socket that iscapable of engagement with a hitch. The fifth wheel hitch may include aplurality of attachment points to engage the fifth wheel hitch to themounting system and prevent rotation of the fifth wheel hitch relativeto the vehicle. The attachment points include a gooseneck collar and atleast one safety chain hold down, socket, or receiving member. In oneembodiment, the mounting system includes at least one of two and threeattachment points between the fifth wheel hitch and mounting system.

In another embodiment, provide is an adapter assembly to attach theunderbed hitch to the fifth wheel hitch conversion member. The adapterassembly may include a frame having two or three points of connectionwith the mounting system.

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Objects and advantages together with the operation of the invention maybe better understood by reference to the following detailed descriptiontaken in connection with the following illustrations, wherein:

FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective and partially exploded view of anunderbed hitch mounting system in an embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 2 illustrates a perspective view of a rail assembly;

FIG. 3 illustrates a perspective view of an adapter plate;

FIG. 4 illustrates a perspective view of an underbed hitch mountingsystem in an embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 5 illustrates a top view of the underbed hitch mounting system ofFIG. 4;

FIG. 6 illustrates a perspective view of an embodiment of the underbedhitch mounting system;

FIG. 7 illustrates a perspective view of embodiments of an underbedhitch mounting system with a fifth wheel hitch in phantom immediatelyover the underbed hitch mounting system;

FIG. 8 illustrates a perspective view of another embodiment an underbedhitch mounting system with a fifth wheel hitch;

FIG. 9 is a perspective view of the underbed hitch mounting systemattached to the fifth wheel hitch on a bed of a vehicle;

FIG. 10 is a perspective view of the underbed hitch mounting system;

FIG. 11 is a cross sectional side view of the underbed hitch mountingsystem of FIG. 10 attached to the bed of a vehicle;

FIG. 12 is an exploded perspective view of an embodiment of a rail ofthe fifth wheel hitch;

FIG. 13 is a perspective view of the underbed hitch mounting systemattached to the fifth wheel hitch in phantom on a bed of a vehicle;

FIG. 14 is a cross sectional view of the underbed hitch mounting systemattached to the fifth wheel hitch on the bed of the vehicle;

FIG. 15 is a perspective view of the underbed hitch mounting systemattached to the fifth wheel hitch;

FIG. 16 is a perspective view of an embodiment of an adapter frame inaccordance with the present disclosure;

FIG. 17 is a perspective view of an embodiment of the adapter frameattached to a fifth wheel hitch and the bed of a vehicle;

FIG. 18A is a perspective view of an embodiment of the adapter frame inaccordance with the present disclosure;

FIG. 18B is a perspective cross sectional view of a locking system ofthe adapter frame of FIG. 18A;

FIG. 18C is a perspective cross sectional view of a locking system ofthe adapter frame of FIG. 18A;

FIG. 19A is a perspective view of an embodiment of the adapter frameattached to the underbed hitch mounting system;

FIG. 19B is a perspective cross sectional view of a locking system ofthe adapter frame of FIG. 19A;

FIG. 19C is a perspective cross sectional view of a locking system ofthe adapter frame of FIG. 19A;

FIG. 20A is a perspective view of an embodiment of the adapter frameattached to the underbed hitch mounting system and the fifth wheelhitch;

FIG. 20B is a perspective cross sectional view of a locking system ofthe adapter frame and fifth wheel hitch of FIG. 20A;

FIG. 21A is a perspective view of an embodiment of an adapter frame inaccordance with the present disclosure;

FIG. 21B is a perspective bottom view of the adapter frame of FIG. 21A;

FIG. 22A is a perspective view of an embodiment of an adapter frame inaccordance with the present disclosure; and

FIG. 22B is a perspective bottom view of the adapter frame of FIG. 22A.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Reference will now be made in detail to exemplary embodiments of thepresent invention, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanyingdrawings. It is to be understood that other embodiments may be utilizedand structural and functional changes may be made without departing fromthe respective scope of the invention. As such, the followingdescription is presented by way of illustration only and should notlimit in any way the various alternatives and modifications that may bemade to the illustrated embodiments and still be within the spirit andscope of the invention.

FIGS. 1-7 illustrate an underbed hitch mounting system 10 as disclosedby commonly owned U.S. Pat. No. 8,414,009 which is incorporated byreference. The underbed hitch mounting system 10 may be used with towingvehicles that allow for selectively accommodating either a fifth wheelhitch 55 or a gooseneck hitch. Trailer hitches, such as a gooseneck orfifth wheel hitch 55 may be mounted to a truck bed. These types ofhitches are often mounted beneath the truck bed in conjunction with thetruck's own frame rails 52, such as with cross members or rails 20, forexample.

The underbed hitch mounting system 10 may include at least one railmount or cross member 20 and at least one mid rail or adapter plate 40.For example, the mounting system 10 may include two rails 20 and one midrail or adapter plate 40. The rails 20 may be configured to support agooseneck hitch (not shown) or a fifth wheel hitch 55. Typical fifthwheel hitches 55 may include a plurality of legs 57 to connect the hitchto a vehicle. While the underbed hitch mounting system 10 may be shownand described as having two rails 20 and one mid rail or adapter plate40, it is to be understood that there may be any appropriate number ofrails or adapter plates and it should not be limited to that shown anddescribed herein.

The rails 20 may be of any appropriate shape or size, such as agenerally tubular, square or rectangular shape. Each rail 20 may includeone or more sockets 30 (FIGS. 1, 2 and 4-6). The sockets 30 may be ofany appropriate shaper or size, such as a generally ovular, circular orrectangular shape. The sockets 30 may be configured to receive fastenersor accessories to retain and support the legs 57 of a fifth wheel hitch55. The legs 57 may be secured to the rails 20 through the sockets 30 byany appropriate means, such as by fasteners, being welded, or the like.

The rails 20 may include connecting holes or mounting apertures 28(FIGS. 1, 2 and 4-6). The mounting apertures 28 may be of anyappropriate shape or size, such as a generally circular, ovular orrectangular shape. There may be any number of appropriate mountingapertures 28 and should not be limited to that shown and describedherein.

The mounting apertures 28 may be utilized for connecting another memberto the rails 20, such as the adapter plate 40 or attachment brackets 54(see FIGS. 1, 2 and 4). The mounting apertures 28 may also be used toconnect the rails 20 of the hitch mounting system 10 to the underbed ofthe towing vehicle frame 52. For example, the rails 20 may be connectedto the towing vehicle frame 52, such as underneath the truck bed (notshown).

The rails 20 may include one or more attachment brackets 54 (FIG. 2).For example, the mounting system 10 may have two attachment brackets 54.The attachment brackets 54 may be utilized for connecting the rails 20to the frame 52. The rails 20 may be connected to the attachmentbrackets 54 by any appropriate means, such as with fasteners, welding orthe like. The attachment brackets 54 may be of any appropriate shape orsize, such as a general L-shape, rectangular plate or the like. Theattachment brackets 54 may be sized and shaped to engage a vehicleframe.

Typical vehicle frames 52 may include two parallel steel members. An endof each rail 20 may connect to a first member of the frame 52 and anopposite end of the rail 20 may connect to a second member of thevehicle frame 52 (FIG. 2). The cross members or rails 20 may extendbetween the mounting brackets 54. The rails 20 may be of a lengthsufficient to span the distance between the mounting brackets 54 whenthose brackets engage the vehicle framework 52. The attachment brackets54 may form a generally L-shaped bracket to engage the frame 52. Theattachment brackets 54 may be attached to the frame 52 by anyappropriate means, such as with fasteners, welding or the like.

The mid rail or adapter plate 40 may be of any appropriate shape orsize, such as a generally rectangular or tubular shape that may span thelength between the rails 20 (FIGS. 1 and 4). The mid rail or adapterplate 40 may be configured to connect to the rails 20. The mid rail oradapter plate 40 may be attached to the rails by any appropriate means,such as with fasteners, welding or the like.

The adapter plate 40 may be of a one piece construction or may includeseveral sections that may be secured together. The adapter plate 40 mayinclude a center section 32 and one or more mounting sections 34extending therefrom. For example, there may be two mounting sections 34(FIG. 3). As an alternative, there may be no mounting sections 34, suchthat the center section may be attached directly to the rails 20 (FIGS.4-6).

The center section 32 may be located between the mounting sections 32.The mounting sections 34 may extend at a downward angle and away fromthe center section 32, such that the center section 32 may be positionedabove the mounting sections 34. The mounting sections 34 may extend inopposite directions away from the center section 32.

The mounting sections 34 may engage the rails 20 at any appropriatelocation, such as the underside of the rails 20. The mounting sections34 may be configured to connect to the rails 20 by any appropriatemeans, such as with fasteners, welding or the like. When the mid rail 40is connected to the rails 20, the center section 32 may be approximatelyflush with and parallel to the rails 20 (FIGS. 3 and 4). When themounting section 34 engages the rails 20, the mounting sections 34 maybe approximately parallel to the rails 20. Each mounting section 34 mayinclude one or more openings or rail mounting apertures 38. The mountingapertures 38 may be configured to align with the mounting apertures 28in the rails 20. The mounting apertures 38 may be of any appropriateshape or size, such as a generally circular, ovular or rectangularshape.

The adapter plate or mid rail 40 may also include a base member 36(FIGS. 3 and 6). The base member 36 may be of any appropriate shape orsize, such as a generally square, rectangular or tubular shape. The basemember 36 may be attached to the bottom of the adapter plate or mid rail40. The base member 36 may be attached to the mid rail 40 by anyappropriate means, such as by welding, fasteners or the like. The basemember 36 may also be secured to the rails 20, such as on the undersideof the rails 20 (FIGS. 4 and 6).

The adapter plate or mid rail 40 may be configured to receive a hitchball 18 (see FIGS. 3-7). For example, the center section 32 may includea hitch ball socket 42 that may be configured to receive the hitch ball18. The hitch ball socket 42 may be of any appropriate shape or size,such as a generally cylindrical shape. The hitch ball socket 42 may belocated at any appropriate position on the adapter plate 40, such as theapproximate center of the adapter plate 40. For example, the hitch ballsocket 42 may be configured to receive a removable hitch ball 18 withspring-loaded ball bearings. It should be appreciated, however, that thereceptacle may be configured to receive any appropriate type of hitchball 18 and should not be limited to that shown or described herein.

The hitch ball socket 42 may include a raised collar 46 and a cap 48(FIG. 3). The raised collar 46 may be of any appropriate shape or size,such as one that may extend above and approximately perpendicularly tothe surface of the center section 32. The cap 48 may be of anyappropriate shape or size, such as one that may engage the collar 46 andcover the hitch ball socket 42 when a hitch ball 18 is not connected tothe hitch ball socket 42.

FIGS. 4-6 illustrate another embodiment of the underbed hitch mountingsystem 10. The underbed hitch mounting system 10 may utilize a puckmounting system whereby the trailer hitch may be installed in the pickuptruck bed with only four small holes (not shown). Utilizing a puckmounting system may provide uninhibited use of the truck bed when thehitch is dismounted. The puck mounting system may also provide for awider platform and mounting surface, which increases the stability. Thepuck mounting system may be used with any appropriate trailer hitchmounting kit, such as those that utilize rail mounts or cross members 20for example, such as with the “Signature Series” produced and sold byCequent.

The underbed hitch mounting system 10 may include at least two rails orcross members 20. The cross members 20 may include sockets 30 forattachment with a puck or receiving member 44. The cross members 20 maybe attached to the vehicle framework 52 by any appropriate means, suchas with fasteners, by welding or the like.

Holes may be drilled in the truck bed corresponding to the locations ofthe sockets 30 in the rails 20 and the hitch ball socket 42. A fifthwheel hitch may be removably connected to the sockets 30 in the rails 20through the holes located in the truck bed. A hitch ball 18 may beremovably connected to the hitch ball socket 42 through the hole in thetruck bed, whereby a gooseneck hitch may be utilized.

The cross members 20 may be mounted to the truck bed with the use of thereceiving members 44. Each receiving member 44 may be mounted in asocket 30 provided in either of the cross members 20. The receivingmember 40 may be secured in the socket 30 by any appropriate means, suchas with fasteners, welding or the like. For example, a fastener, such asa bolt, could pass through an aperture in the bottom wall of the crossmember 20 and be secured in place by a cooperating nut and lock washer(not shown) if desired.

The puck or receiving member 44 may be of any appropriate shape or size,such as a cylindrical, oval, or a square shape, for example, and shouldnot be limited to that shown and described herein. The receiving member44 may be a one-piece integrally formed member. Each receiving member 44may also include an aperture 56 that may receive an accessory member 60.The aperture 56 may also be correspondingly shaped and sized to receivethe accessory member 60. Any number or variety of accessories 60 may beutilized with the receiving members 44. The accessory member 60 may beany appropriate or desired type of object, such as a cap or a safetychain tie down member. For example, caps (not shown) may be placed overthe receiving members 44 or holes in the truck bed when the hitch is notin use.

FIGS. 4 and 5 illustrate an integrally formed mounting system 10,whereby the receiving members 44 may be formed within the cross members20. FIG. 6 illustrates a mounting system 10 where the receiving members44 may be placed and secured into sockets 30 located within the crossmembers 20. The cross members 20 may be attached to one another by themid rail 40. The hitch ball socket 42 and corresponding hitch ball 18may be located on the mid rail 40 (FIGS. 4-6).

The underbed hitch mounting system 10 may include any number or varietyof mounting flanges 26 and mounting apertures 28 (FIGS. 4-6). Themounting flanges 26 may be of any appropriate shape or size, such asgenerally rectangular or circular. The mounting flanges 26 may belocated at any appropriate position on the rails 20, such as adjacent orat the ends of the rails 20. The mounting apertures 28 may be located inor around the mounting flanges 26. The mounting apertures 28 andmounting flanges 26 may aid in attached the mounting system 10 to theunderbed of the towing vehicle or the vehicle framework 52.

As illustrated by the FIGS. 8-15, the present disclosure relates to agooseneck underbed style hitch 200 that may be operatively attached tothe fifth wheel conversion member 100. The fifth wheel conversion member100 may be attached to the underbed hitch 200 without the use of tools,may be adjustable to account for various structural builds of truck bedconfigurations, and by be removeable from the hitch 200 as a singleunit. The fifth wheel conversion member 100 may be securely locked to abed of a vehicle and allow for quick assembly thereon.

In the illustrated embodiment, provided is a three point attachment of afifth wheel conversion member 100 with a three (3) point attachmentsystem that allows for securing a towed vehicle to a towing vehicle. Theunder bed style hitch 200 includes a primary receiver 120 such as agooseneck collar that is configured to receive an attachment device 110such as a of the fifth wheel conversion member 100. The attachmentdevice 110 may protrude from the bottom of the fifth wheel structure100. The primary receiver 120 may operably attach to the attachmentdevice 110 and may include a ball joint for operable attachment betweenthe primary receiver 120 and the attachment device 110. The primaryreceiver 120 may be positioned along the center portion of a bed 130 ofa vehicle.

The hitch 200 may additionally include secondary receivers 220 which maybe similar to the drop in receivers 44 as disclosed above. Additionally,the secondary receivers 220 may be safety chain mounting connections.However, in this embodiment, the hitch 200 may merely include one (1) ortwo (2) secondary receivers 220 positioned on the hitch 200 to receivethe respective fasteners 210 that extend from the fifth wheel conversionhitch 100. The fasteners 210 may be a clamping t-bold, rod, or otherfastener assembly. The assembly may be quarter turn locking assembliesthat are designed to meet or exceed SAE J2638 testing requirements.

FIG. 12 illustrates an embodiment of the fasteners 210 may be quarterturn locking assemblies as shown in an exploded view. Each fastener 210may include a handle 230, T-bold 240, locater bushing 250, adjustablelocknut 260 that are adapted to be attached to a rail 270. The rail 270may include access slots 280 to provide access to the adjustable locknut260 to adjust the vertical position of the T-bolt along an axis ofrotation. Once the T-bolt 240 is inserted into the secondary receivers220, the handle 230 may be rotated a quarter turn to be aligned with therail 270 and lock the fastener 210 within the secondary receiver 220.Notably, the locater bushing 250 may be adjusted along a plane generallyparallel to the bed 130 to assist aligning the fasteners 210 with thesecondary receivers 220.

FIG. 14 illustrates an embodiment of the attachment device 110 as it isattached to the primary receiver 120. In one embodiment, the attachmentdevice 110 is positioned in alignment along the center of the fifthwheel conversion member 100 and may extend from a mid rail of the fifthwheel conversion member 100 and be aligned along a common axis with aking pin to be received therein (not shown). The attachment device 110may include a an engagement handle 112, adjustable locking rod 114,spring loaded bearing clamp 116, and ball bearings 118. The primaryreceiver 120 may include recesses 122 adapted to selectively lock theball bearings 118 within the primary receiver 120. The handle 112 maytranslate the rod 114 to bias the spring loaded bearing clamp 116 toposition the bearings 118 in an open or locked position.

FIGS. 16 through 22 illustrate an adapter assembly 300 that may beinterconnected between a fifth wheel conversion member 100′ and theunderbed hitch 200. The hitch 200 may be positioned on the vehicle as anunderbed style hitch. This configuration can be attached to an existingsubstructure of a vehicle and may simplify attaching or removingaccessories such as fifth wheel hitch conversion members from truckbeds. The adapter assembly 300 may carry some of the loads and forceswhich may reduce stresses on the hitch under bed system 200.

The hitch 200 may include a plurality of secondary receivers 220 asdisclosed above. The adapter assembly 300 may be configured to attach tothe receivers 220 of the hitch 200 above the bed 130 of the vehicle. Theadapter assembly 300 may include a plurality of apertures 310 orattachment points with which may be operably attached to the fifth wheelconversion member 100′. The hitch 200 may be attached to the vehiclesuch that a bed liner is positioned between the hitch 200 and theadapter assembly 300 as it may be mounted above the bed liner of thevehicle. The adapter assembly 300 may provide a mounting location forvarious accessories to be attached thereon such as the fifth wheelconversion member, bicycle, cargo mounting assembly, or motorcyclecarrier assembly, etc.

The adapter assembly 300 may include a locking system 320 having aplurality of fasteners. The fasteners may be similar to the lockingassemblies 210 with T-bolts attached to rotating handles as disclosedabove. The fasteners 320 may be received within the receivers 220 andcan be rotated to positively lock the adapter assembly 300 to the hitch200. Additionally, the fifth wheel conversion member 100′ may beoperably attached to the adapter assembly 300. The fifth wheelconversion member 100′ any include a plurality of legs 140 wherein eachleg 140 extends to a perimeter of the adapter assembly 300 and may beoperably attached to the apertures 310. The legs 140 may be attached tothe apertures in a variety of manners known in the art and thisapplication is not limited.

In the embodiment illustrated by FIGS. 16 and 17, the adapter assembly300 is connected to four (4) points of connection with the underbedhitch 200.

In one embodiment, as illustrated by FIG. 18-20, the adapter assembly300 may be a rectangular shaped structural body that is mounted to onlytwo (2) points of the hitch 200 wherein at least one of the mountingpoints is to a gooseneck round collar 330 similar to the primaryreceiver 120 shown above. In another embodiment, the adapter assembly300 is mounted to only three (3) points of the hitch 200 wherein twopoints of connection include fasteners 210. The primary connection pointmay be a primary receiver 330 such as a gooseneck round collar 330.Secondary connections may be made to at least one of the other drop inconnection points 220 wherein no additional fixed mounting points arerequired and no modification of the truck bed is required. By mountingthe adapter assembly 300 to the hitch 200 at the gooseneck round collar330 and at least one of the receivers 220, the adapter assembly 300 mayprevent the fifth wheel conversion member 100′ or other accessoriesmounted thereon, from twisting or otherwise unwanted rotation relativeto the hitch 200 and vehicle bed while traveling with a towed vehicle.

The primary mounting to the gooseneck round collar 330 may include aattachment device 340, similar to attachment device 110 above, that isattached to a mid rail 350 of the adapter assembly 300. This attachmentdevice 340 may contain a ball joint that is complimentary with thecollar 330 for operable structural attachment therein. The ball jointmay be manually locked and unlocked by a user and be dropped incompatible for quick connection and removal of the adapter assembly 300.The secondary or tertiary mounting maybe with a clamping t-bolt, rod, orfastener assembly in either one or two of the receivers 220. Thesemounting points may be illustrated by FIGS. 18B, 19C and 20B while theprimary mounting points are illustrated by FIGS. 18C and 19B.

FIGS. 21 and 22 illustrate additional embodiments of the 2 or 3 pointadapter assembly 300. FIGS. 21A and 21B illustrate an adapter assembly300 with a generally rectangular frame. The frame may include rails 410and cross beams 420 and a mid rail 430 that extends between the crossbeams 420. Handles 440 may be positioned along the rails 410. Apertures,310 may be positioned along the rails 410. The cross beams 420 mayinclude generally c-shaped cross sections defining a channel along abottom side. Fasteners 210 may be positioned along the cross beams 420and extend through a structural base 450 positioned within the channelof the cross beam 410. The attachment member 340 may be located alongthe mid rail 430 and be adjustable along the mid rail 430 between therails 410. The attachment member 340 may include a handle that includesa similar orientation as the handles of the fasteners 210. Further, thehandles of the attachment member 340 or fasteners 210 may includeapertures that are configured to align with apertures on the crossbeams/mid rail to receive a locking member (not shown) to lock theattachment member 340 or fasteners 210 in place.

FIGS. 22A and 22B illustrate an embodiment of the adapter assemblyhaving a generally rectangular shaped frame. The frame may include rails410 and cross beams 420 with a mid rail 430 that extends between thecross beams 420. Handles 4120 may be positioned along the rails 410. Therails 410 may be adjustable relative to the cross beams 420.Additionally, apertures 310 may be positioned along the rails 410 forconnection to an accessory such as a fifth wheel conversion member. Aplurality of pads 450 may be positioned along a bottom side of the rails410 opposite from apertures 310. The pads 450 may be made of a highdurometer rubber and placed to abut against the bed of the vehicle atstrategic points to spread high fore or aft loads that may be acting onthe adapter assembly 300 from the fifth wheel conversion member.

The invention has been described with reference to the embodiments.Obviously, modifications and alternations will occur to others upon areading and understanding of this specification. The claims as followsare intended to include all modifications and alterations insofar asthey come within the scope of the claim or an equivalent thereof.

1.-6. (canceled)
 7. An under bed hitch mounting system comprising: firstand second cross members configured to attach to a frame of a towingvehicle; a mid-rail attached between the first and second cross members;a primary receiver attached to the mid-rail, the primary receiverconfigured to receive one of an attachment device and a gooseneck hitchball; and a pair of secondary receivers attached to the first crossmember, wherein the second cross member does not include any secondaryreceivers.
 8. The under bed hitch mounting system of claim 7, whereinthe primary receiver comprises a gooseneck collar.
 9. The under bedhitch mounting system of claim 7, wherein the secondary receivers accepta locking assembly.
 10. The under bed hitch mounting system of claim 9,wherein the locking assembly comprises a quarter turn locking assemblyattached with a safety chain engaging body.
 11. The under bed hitchmounting system of claim 7 further comprising an adapter assemblyselectively engageable with the primary receiver and the pair ofsecondary receivers.
 12. The under bed hitch mounting system of claim 11further comprising a fifth wheel hitch attached to the adapter assembly.13. An under bed hitch mounting system comprising: first and secondcross members configured to attach to a frame of a towing vehicle,wherein the first and second cross members comprise tubular bodies; amid-rail attached between the first and second cross members; a primaryreceiver attached to the mid-rail, the primary receiver configured toreceive a gooseneck hitch ball; and a pair of secondary receiversattached to the first cross member and positioned in the first crossmember's tubular body, wherein the second cross member does not includeany secondary receivers.
 14. The under bed hitch mounting system ofclaim 13 further comprising an adapter assembly selectively engageablewith the primary receiver and the pair of secondary receivers.
 15. Theunder bed hitch mounting system of claim 14 further comprising a fifthwheel hitch attached to the adapter assembly.
 16. An under bed hitchmounting system comprising: first and second tubular cross members; apair of mounting flanges attached to each of the first and secondtubular cross members, wherein the mounting flanges are configured toattach to a frame of a towing vehicle. a mid-rail attached between thefirst and second cross members; a primary receiver attached to themid-rail, the primary receiver configured to receive a gooseneck hitchball; and a pair of secondary receivers attached to the first crossmember and positioned in the first cross member's tubular body, whereinthe second cross member does not include any secondary receivers. 17.The under bed hitch mounting system of claim 16 further comprising anadapter assembly selectively engageable with the primary receiver andthe pair of secondary receivers.
 18. The under bed hitch mounting systemof claim 17 further comprising a fifth wheel hitch attached to theadapter assembly.